I. Introduction (10 Minutes)

1. Pray for all of the couples.

II. Sharing Session (86 Minutes)

1. Ask what they wrote on pages 26-27 in the handbook (3 minutes).
   1. Reemphasize your expectation that homework be done.
   2. Be aware to call on people who wrote answers to the questions.
2. Briefly remind the group about the three chairs on the side (2 minutes).
   1. Introduce the person from the first chair; others slide down; someone fills in the last chair.
   2. Allow them to come as volunteers—volunteer them if you need to.
   3. Have them answer the questions on page 30 in the handbook.
   4. Encourage them not to read answers from the page but to talk freely.
   5. Have questions written on the back board where all can see them.
   6. Explain again how applause gives affirmation and support.
   7. Remind them to use page 33 in the handbook notes on deeper insights into their mate.
   8. Remind them to use the same page to prepare for the class encouragement time.
3. Start the group sharing (80 minutes).
   1. You and your assistant go first—be open and answer each properly, not using notes.
   2. Fill your sharing chairs.
   3. Introduce the first sharer.
   4. Applaud after each sharer.
   5. Affirm each sharer in turn.
   6. Introduce each new sharer in turn.
   7. Do this until everyone shares and is affirmed by you.
4. Recap and vote for the person showing the most insight into understanding how to meet their spouse’s emotional needs (3 minutes).
   1. No one votes until the recap concludes.
   2. The assistant collects the votes.
      1. No one ever hears there was a tie.
      2. The assistant breaks ties for first or third place and fills in the card or book.
   3. Dismiss the group to their break.

III. Break (15 Minutes)

IV. Final Session (30 Minutes)

1. Present the award to the recipient (2 minutes).
   1. Ask the top three honorees to stand one at a time and applaud for each.
   2. Make sure all honorees sit down together before presenting the award.
   3. Have the award recipient thank the group and share the book for written encouragement.
2. Explain next week’s homework (3 minutes)—refer to page 34 in handbook.
3. Closing Activity: Have each person stand and tell his or her spouse what he/she will do for the spouse (15 minutes).
   1. Model for the group first by sharing your commitments with each other (Remember to hold each other to your commitments!).
   2. Explain the parameters of their commitments.
      1. Give the commitment a time limit.
      2. Make it a specific action.
      3. Make it something constructive.
   3. Remind them to consult their prayer notes.
   4. The only response allowed is “I hold you to your commitment.”
   5. Ask each person write his or her commitment in his or her handbook on page 31
   6. Write down the commitment you receive on page 31 as well.
   7. Remind the couples to compare what they wrote on page 31 when they get home to avoid disappointment later.
4. Group affirmation (14 minutes)
   1. Give everyone 30 seconds to select one person who touched him or her, and thank the person for his or her message, attitude, example, or encouragement.
   2. Remind everyone to confer with his or her Prayer Notes.
   3. Keep time on each person to avoid going over time.
   4. If your time runs out before the entire group has an opportunity to affirm another, stop the activity anyway.

V. Conclusion (5 Minutes)

1. “What did you learn tonight?”
2. Give a brief, encouraging pep talk.
3. Closing prayer (You lead this prayer, or ask a member of the class to lead it for everyone.)

Class Preparation Checklist:

1. Listen to “Facilitator Skills” and “Session 4” messages on the Facilitator audio message.
2. Pray for each couple by name; pray for God to use you.
3. Prepare the name tags.
4. Bring an award to class.
5. Bring extra pens.
6. Bring a box of facial tissue.
7. Bring ballots to class.
8. Make sure the refreshments are coming.

Classroom Set-up Checklist

1. Arrange room furniture for classroom set-up.
2. Eliminate outside viewing of the classroom.
3. Put “Do Not Enter” signs on all doors to the classroom.
4. Write the sharing session questions on the board (see page 30 in the student handbook).